This is the 15th anniversary edition of our Five To Watch series presented by Realtor Judith Cipriani of ERA One Source Realty. There are 32 teams in the WVC and LFC plus Holy Redeemer and Montrose so it’s impossible to recognize every single player who might be deserving. The players we do list are some of the best at their position or have an interesting role coming up in 2025 for their team. Players will be recognized at only one position, even if they are capable two-way players. For players who don’t make the list, we hope you strive to make our lists at the end of the season because they are the ones that really count.
Here are the defensive backs (Listed alphabetically):
Gavin Anders, Sr. – Abington Heights
Height: 6-0 Weight 185
The Comets had their best defense in years last season and Anders solidified the secondary with both cerebral and physical play. He led the team wih 77 tackles including five tackles-for-loss, four forced fumbles and an interception from his safety position. Anders will also be a valuable member of the offense as the returning leading receiver. He had 43 catches for 575 yards and six touchdowns for Abington. Anders was named an LFC Division I First Team defensive back in 2024.
Anders Highlights
Alex Estrella, Sr. – Berwick
Height: 5-10 Weight 165
Estrella was the quarterback of the Berwick secondary in 2024. A captain as a junior, he has great instincts, speed, and quickness that allowed him to be a major factor on the Dawgs defense from his safety position. Estrella was part of the Bulldogs district championship relay team and is very athletic. He will also be a target at wide receiver on offense. Estrella was named a WVC Division 2 First Team defensive back last season.
Estrella Highlights
Treyvon Gembitski, Sr. – Wilkes-Barre
Height: 5-11 Weight 167
@TreyGembitski
Gembitski is one of the best returning two-way players in the WVC. Another athlete with speed, he showed great ability in coverage and was a sure tackler who compiled 56 tackles his junior year. He also added an interception and eight passes defended. Gembitski was also a major part of the Wolfpack passing game. He caught 50 passes for 650 yards and nine touchdowns. Gembitski was a WVC Division 1 First Team defensive back and wide receiver in 2o24.
Gembitski Highlights
Sam Kelley, Sr. – Dallas
Height: 5-11 Weight 165
Kelley had an impressive junior campaign and will be the main leader in the Mountaineers secondary in 2025. He compiled 82 tackles with four tackles-for-loss. He added three interceptions including a pick six. Kelley is very physical and he has a nose for the ball. He also will play receiver for the Dallas offense. He had seven receptions for 144 yards and a touchdown. Kelley was named a WVC Division 1 First Team defensive back last season.
Kelley Highlights
Reece Whitman, Sr. – Scranton
Height: 5-10 Weight 175
Whitman was a key contributor to the Knights defense last season and is expected to be even better in 2025. He returns after compiling 78 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions. His ability in the secondary gave Scranton flexibility with coverages and his ability to get to the ball was noticeable every week. Whitman also will be a major part of the Knights offense. Last year, he had 911 total yards of offense while scoring seven touchdowns. Whitman was an LFC Division I Honorable Mention running back in 2o24.
Whitman Highlights
SLEEPER
Tim Richmond, Jr. – Lackawanna Trail
Height: 5-10 Weight 165
The Lions have churned out some pretty good defensive backs in recent years and Richmond could be the next one to take center stage. He has very good speed and Trail considers him a playmaker. He has some big shoes to fill as he takes over at cornerback and his play will help Lackawanna Trail maintain their defensive standard.
Richmond Highlights
OTHERS TO WATCH
Cayden Farr, Sr. – West Scranton – Highlights | Twitter
Xavier Heck, So. – Hazleton – – Highlights | Twitter
Mason Keyes, Jr. – Susquehanna – Highlights
Ryan Mecca, Sr. – Dunmore – Highlights | Twitter
Chase Meyers, Sr. – Wyoming Valley West – Highlights
